Running an ecommerce store presents its own set of unique challenges. Not only do businesses need to learn how to make products available online, then complete transactions and fulfillment digitally, they also need to make use of the internet in order to promote their businesses and grow their stores.
There are many digital marketing techniques that can help ecommerce businesses market and grow, including PPC advertising, organic search marketing (SEO) and email marketing. However, one of the most important is the use of social media networks, which can help businesses connect with potential customers and develop a brand reputation.
If you're running an ecommerce stores one of the social media platforms you should not overlook is Snapchat. Snapchat is a messaging-based social network that allows you to take and share photos, videos, drawings, and more with your friends and followers. You've probably heard of Snapchat in terms of how people use it to connect with family and friends. But, you might not have realized that it can be powerful for brands as well.
To learn how you can harness Snapchat to grow your ecommerce business, and why you should consider using it, check out some helpful benefits and tips for using the platform below.
Why Using Snapchat for Ecommerce is a Good Idea
If you're considering whether or not to use Snapchat for your ecommerce business, it can help to understand the benefits of the platform for companies.
First, Snapchat is a popular social media platform. It has more than 188 million active daily users, which means that it's a good platform for reaching a large, wide audience.
Snapchat recently released an in-app ecommerce platform for products.
Also, Snapchat recently released an in-app ecommerce platform for products. This means that brands can actually sell their products within the app, making it simple and easy for people to buy while they browse. If you can build your brand presence and reputation on Snapchat, then the tools that the platform provides you with makes buying easier and more convenient than ever for potential customers (upping your chances for conversions).
Finally, Snapchat works for ecommerce businesses that want to use social platforms to market their existing ecommerce sites, and not just ones that want to use it as a channel for selling. Because you can create a wide variety of creative content using the channel, it's a wonderful opportunity for any ecommerce company to build their brand. Rather than showcase products (like they do in traditional ads), companies can use the network to create a brand story — to develop the company's voice, build an aesthetic and let their personality shine through. By posting regularly to Snapchat, you can gain a following who can get a good understanding of who your brand is and what it does — then pass the word along to friends who also use the platform.
About 78% of 18 to 24 year olds use Snapchat regularly, and 71% of those users access the platform multiple times per day.
What Kind of Ecommerce Products Work Well with Snapchat?
All ecommerce businesses can benefit from using Snapchat, but the platform can be particularly effective for companies that sell certain kinds of products.
First, any ecommerce company that sells products to millennials works well on the site. Studies show that about 78% of 18 to 24 year olds use Snapchat regularly, and 71% of those users access the platform multiple times per day. If you choose to market your millennial targeted products on Snapchat, your company will be reaching your audience in a place where they actually spend time.
Next, products that are particularly visual in nature sell well on Snapchat. This means that clothing, beauty products, accessories and other visually-appealing are a good fit. Because Snapchat features photos and videos, it can be a great platform for showing potential customers what an item looks like.
Any product that requires an explanation or demo to sell works well on the platform
Finally, any product that requires an explanation or demo to sell works well on the platform, since Snapchat gives you the opportunity to present videos demonstrating how products work.
Tips for Using Snapchat to Sell Products and Market Your Store
If you're convinced you should use Snapchat to promote your ecommerce business, you may want to learn more about best practices for marketing and advertising. Here are some of the most helpful tips to keep in mind when you use Snapchat for marketing:
Showcase Products (and Give Sneak Peeks)
Use the visual medium of Snapchat to showcase your products; displaying their visual appeal will entice people to buy them. You can also encourage people to buy from you by giving sneak peeks of new products on your channel. That way, people will look forward to seeing all of the new goods you regularly come out with.
Make your brand land with customers by interacting with them on the medium and posting content with personality.
Engage With Your Audience
The whole point of using Snapchat for marketing is to help build and strengthen your brand story. Make your brand land with customers by interacting with them on the medium and posting content with personality. Give behinds the scenes looks at your ecommerce company, and respond to people when they send you a message. Engaging with people and showing your personality makes your company likable and encourages loyalty.
Offer Snapchat-Only Promotions
Drive traffic on the platform up by offering Snapchat-only promotions and deals. This will encourage people to follow and engage with you, and to check your content regularly. Using Snapchat-only promotions also lends an air of exclusivity to your brand and helps enhance its reputation.
If you're an ecommerce company looking for new marketing channels, focus your efforts on Snapchat. You can take advantage of a tool that appeals to one the fastest growing demographics with purchasing power, and you can be sure you're harnessing all available tools to reach new, qualified leads and customers.